How They Did It - Telling Time in Ancient Rome

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In this video we pose the question of how the Romans told time. We first examine their concept of time before proceeding to describing the methods they employed for telling time both with and without the sun.
Research: Invicta
Script: Invicta
Narration: Invicta
Artwork: Beverly Johnson
Editing: Invicta
#History
#HowTheyDidIt

[@InvictaHistory]

I have to say, this has been one of my favorite episodes to research and produce. Its all these little things about the past which fascinate me and which we today take for granted. What sorts of other aspects of daily life you like me to explore next? Also, if you'd like to support these videos please consider checking out my Patreon: www.patreon.com/InvictaHistory. Thanks

[@saugatbhattarai6845]

Pets. Sex Go deeper into politics ( not just power) how they did it.

[@fischlmakesmondstadtgreata7113]

You left an Capital "I" in DId on the title. And yes this is stressing me.

[@moreDLCdaddy]

Good stuff since 2013

[@booombasa]

Hire me master. Teach me how to make your hobby your job! Great video as always. :D

[@InvictaHistory]

@@fischlmakesmondstadtgreata7113 fixed! : )

[@suvaraih2266]

"AT THE END OF THE DAY, such sun-based systems suffered from one fatal flaw" - I see what you did there =)

[@euroschmau]

Sorry I'm late, my dog drank my clock.

[@DwarfInBlues]

The clocks drain, so the dog must have sabotaged it in the inverse way :)

[@joseleonido3479]

Hey Relax, I tripped on my clock.

[@Pottan23]

8:31 "The past is full of clever people" Intelligence wise they are exactly the same as us, we just happen to be sitting on the combined works of thousands of geniouses.

[@fredriks5090]

We still have the same relative amount of geniuses to knuckledraggers. Nowadays the knuckledraggers are busy drinking soda while complaining about conspiracy theories regarding the geniuses.

[@ramblinbob1918]

“Dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants” was a common Roman saying

[@loro.h9612]

pyropulse Proof??

[@Akillesursinne]

@pyropulse Could you give us a source on that, if it's not just pulled out of your ass?

[@tomlaureys1734]

There is no way for anyone to know if people were more intelligent back then or are more intelligent now because there is no data on intelligence back in that time. Also any measure of intelligence used with both groups of people (present day and back in that time) would have to be the same system of measurement otherwise it would be invalid. So any statement comparing the intelligence of present-day people with ancient people is pure speculation and opinion because there is no data to back up the statement.

[@kaigreen5641]

I can tell the time by the sun pretty well, when I was a kid in the 80's and 90's I always broke watches falling off my skateboard so I didn't really wear them so I learned to tell the time by the sun so I didn't come home late and get my ass kicked. Loved the water clocks btw, very cool, very clever.

[@kodingkrusader2765]

I just had to be home when the street lights came on. Id come home randomly for drinks and stuff and my mom would be at grocery store or something lol

[@cryptospacexxxit6281]

right..

[@christopherrhodes3228]

Perhaps you could have a mini series of how time was measured, and call it something like "Time En Memorium" or something like that

[@michelguevara151]

*memoriam tempis

[@jo-vf8jx]

Christopher Rhodes in previous docs I’ve watched they do talk about them inviting a system that tracks time and the seasons. They invented it to keep track of the harvest and flood seasons.😊

[@fischlmakesmondstadtgreata7113]

Nobody: Invicta: Just how the hell did the Romans tell the time?!

[@this_is_patrick]

Kinda used wrong tho, this format is supposed to be used when the video is too crazy or absurd, wanting to know how the ancients tell time is neither.

[@fourlamb1]

I've just robbed you for your comment Kay, but slightly altered it, and made it worse 🤣.

[@fourlamb1]

Where's the urban cohorts when you need them!

[@fourlamb1]

@@lamaop3151 Because he uploaded it a few hours later? Theres no way you could put together and edit a video like that in a few hours, as well as researching the topic. I don't think anyway.

[@kaigreen5641]

@@fourlamb1 perfectly possible he saw a french channel do it and thought, I can do that in English. Especially if he already knew the subject matter fairly well. Editing the video would be the longest part but good as his vids are, they are pretty simple from an editing stand point, hes not doing anything very fancy, just static images mostly.

[@TheCoffeybeans]

I never thought the Romans had devices as complex as that water clock, amazing!

[@Lancor84]

The people of the late antiquity were very far in technology, never underestimate them. There is a reason the rennaissance is the age of discovering the past ancient technologies. And the rennaissance only started 500 years ago. Even in the 20th century we only rediscovered some techniques that were used 2000 years ago.

[@voltagedrop5899]

if you think that water clock was complex, you need to take a look at this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apa4mpV8hrB9p6s

[@dodobyrde4645]

And I have to say, this is one of the best vids you ever made. Thank You Invicta.

[@adamfrazer5150]

Invicta, thank you man ! These particular videos of yours are so unique and handily even I can comprehend due to the clean and engaging visuals. You've done anyone with an interest in Roman life a real service - there are many videos from many channels that cover battles, emperors and eras, but what you've done is create a marvelous window into fascinating aspects of the lives these people lead and how they went about it. Again, thank you man, for all your hard work and dedication to quality !

[@kimeonyoung914]

I really loved the time stretching visual, that was great! Great job on this one!

[@mobileslug9603]

that clock animation was amazing. really cool video keep it up !

[@z0quetee]

One of your best videos so far. I LOVE the 'how they did it" seires. cheers!

[@MedievalDragoon]

I love this, there is so little coverage out there on small but important topics and technologies like those you covered here. I for one would enjoy further exploration on the topic of time and timekeeping. Thanks and keep it up, you are awesome!

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

I just found your videos 3 weeks ago (stylishly late to the ancient party) and am hooked! I LOVE history, and all of its facets. Thank you!

[@StrawberryLegacy]

These are my favorite kinds of videos, thank you so much for your hard work 🧡

[@brycevo]

This is so fascinating. Thank you

[@kiba21ryuu]

That is amazing that they’re able to come up with these!

[@connorg6887]

Great topic well explained, love this style of vid keep up the good work man

[@johnkelley9877]

This is a fascinating subject and I hope you will do more. I like the "How They Did It " series as it shows the practical everyday life of the ancients. Thanks for sharing this.

[@liriobolaffio3255]

A great video, a must watch!

[@simonpender8331]

Very interesting, thank you. Oh, and thank you for maintaining a wonderful channel.

[@Toto-95]

This is amazing. Like really dude, great vid, great subject, great editing, great drawings. You really mastered your craft over the years !

[@Needagoodnamebutcantthinkofone]

Very interesting, nice video yet again, as a history lover I love these!

[@feelsgoodman9751]

Please keep up with Ancient Rome! It's so fascinating.

[@amiscellaneoushuman3516]

'Sundials don't work at night or indoors' ... Aren't you forgetting Britannia, sundials aren't great here either.

[@andrewsuryali8540]

This is of course well-known amongst ancient peoples. A sundial excavated in modern-day Calais has inscribed on it in Latin: "WARNING: DOES NOT WORK IN BRITANNIA."

[@michelguevara151]

@@andrewsuryali8540 I wonder if travel guides for Romans at the time had instructions to pack an extra woolen cloak and a water clock..

[@DwarfInBlues]

But... the sun NEVER sets on the British... Does this not mean they ALWAYS know the time?

[@vylbird8014]

@@michelguevara151 - www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3560809/Hadrians-soldiers-writing-home.html We do have surviving letters from Roman soldiers stationed in Britannia. Which include requests to please send warmer cloaks and more socks.

[@cameronalexander359]

Sure they do.. just light a candle! 😆😋

[@MrFearless]

This was far more fascinating than I thought it would be. Thank you!

[@DrewTrox]

Nice Richard Carrier plug. I loved his books on ancient science and scientist. Just discovered the channel, and I'm really enjoying it. Keep up the good work.

[@hankwilliams150]

Another incredible video. Thanks!

[@AmericanRadass0]

Love your videos and the animations. You just gained a subscriber.

[@__prometheus__]

Sponsored by Imper- oh wait 😅

[@Joshua-yf5mh]

Wrong channel lol

[@JonatasAdoM]

@@Joshua-yf5mh Viking war of clans then?

[@sheabalden3506]

thanks for another great video!

[@NiklasGustavsson89]

Really interesting video. Would love one on the topic of the roman calendar as well!

[@gustavoguti27]

As always, great video

[@jaymonius546]

I'm 19 years old and when I read the title of this I became a 75 year old substitute elementary school teacher in terms of unreasonable excitement

[@JesusRocksTryPrayin]

This is an awesome subject! Thanks for uploading! They did such genius shit and most of us all have no idea as to what that was

[@nolangerrans6083]

Great episode. The water clocks are so cool

[@donaykhabbak4215]

amazing content. thank you!

[@Coelacantha]

Can you make a video on how ancient people payed rent/ found housing? I know there’s not much on the topic. I heard ancient people who were traveling didn’t have hotels to stay at and so had to stay in the homes of strangers!

[@ulfur7584]

This is such a cool video. Thank you

[@johnnzboy]

"The past was full of clever people." It certainly was :)

[@perfectplayingplaids]

This is such a good video

[@nevertheless2098]

this was really helful with my school work. thanks! :)

[@blakebailey22]

great video!

[@benjaminzarzycki7650]

Great video! You sound a lot better in this video!

[@jimleon7894]

I love the illustration artwork. Particularly the people.

[@ukaszptaszkiewicz3720]

Great video ;)

[@willperrymusic]

Awesome video

[@2Zemog]

I would really love it if you made more content about the everyday, like telling time, growing up or owning dogs. That's my favorite content.

[@yahwehsonren]

Thank you

[@tomasmurcu]

How the hell did you do that amazing clock stretching and compressing effect?!

[@PurpleSixBeats]

Its great that You keep those in video ads short and at the end, not like greedy kings and generals. :)

[@nickzardiashvili624]

I have 2 thousand years of head start on these people and I would have never figured out inventing those complex water clocks.

[@franklinvonfrankenstein1137]

You probably would if you never had access to electronic or mechanical clocks.

[@kodingkrusader2765]

Im a clock maker as a side hussle. Its a pretty neat thing. Mechanical clocks are pretty neat. Honestly surprised it took so long to invent. Not everyone in rome needed to be master inventors so its ok you wouldnt have been able to invent a water clock. But ancients at more idle time on their hands. When you have time and necessity you will invemt ways

[@JonatasAdoM]

Sometimes I look up and I can tell the time with some astonishing precision.

[@michaelpanariello6044]

Very cool

[@dice1820]

Invicta, when are you going to make "Total War History: The Second Punic War" like how you covered the first punic war?

[@FletcherFinance]

As a hourologist and chronologist, this is absolutely fascinating.

[@twanvanderdonk2504]

There's no shame in that, dear, we've all got to make a living

[@fulkthered]

You described some of the more complicated ways of telling time at night but the easiest and most common way was to use two sticks and a star.Most people get the wrong idea about the bible verse in PS 23.where David talks about going though the valley of the shadow of death (aka nighttime) using a rod and a staff for comfort (aka knowing what time it was and how long until dawn).

[@Mikefantasia22]

These " how they did it " episodes are the best

[@eddingtonmcclane6963]

Your voice quality is wonderful. Diction & clarity could use a bit of buffing.

[@justsomeguy3931]

Do more "What it was like growing up X" videos, those rock

[@American-Plague]

Assuming you know your latitude and which way is north, you can make an equatorial ring sundial with your hands that is pretty accurate (I'm usually within 10 minutes of actual time). It's pretty cool!

[@Antonius2085]

@invicta what is the horn soundfx at the beginning of all your videos? It’s amazing

[@odiwalker3973]

Do one about how the told time in the early middle ages please

[@Killzoneguy117]

Honestly, you could do an entire series on the use of hydraulics by the Ancient Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Chinese, and Arabs.

[@AdstarAPAD]

You would need to keep water clocks clean.. Build up of crud on the inside of the outlet would over time reduce the flow of water ..

[@luizsa8300]

Do a video about the history of the Roman calendar.

[@LizardBoy2211]

"Our ancestors from around the world"... So true, so simple, and yet, sometimes clouded by nationalism and minor physiological differences.

[@adamorlowski4886]

nice

[@jcwar6753]

Great upload! +1 Sub

[@Kill4Dill]

Do you have a list of recommended audible books?

[@ramonruijgt4532]

What about there love or(sex) life. Dating cheating. Did soldiers have picturse/drawing of there girlfriends

[@noobster4779]

I guess the sorcess on that topic are very rare. Its a social thing that doesnt have much "objects" and considering the money writting a book cost at that time there would be only a few of them. Also considering we lost like 95% of the roman books during the middle ages I dont think there is much tofind about this topic. I guess only religous parts would have sorcess survive, like the bracchus cult. :)

[@user-xb9yv2ci4c]

@@noobster4779 There are some satirical poems about this topic.

[@jo-vf8jx]

Look up Mary Beard on KZbin. She’s got a few fabulous docs on the Romans. :)

[@loro.h9612]

In pompeii there are several grafiti covering the Sex live, for example a recommandation for a good hore in a brothel.

[@jo-vf8jx]

Loro .H they believe that people traveling through the city that didn’t speak the language would be able to just point at which service they wanted. However in the bath houses the nude/sex scenes there they believe are purely satire and to help them remember which cubby was theirs where they put their belongings while they enjoyed their bath house experience 😊

[@madscientistshusta]

Wow!

[@DevinZA]

03:08 is that Table Mountain in the background as a the sketch?

[@jayce7646]

I am truly awestruck at how far we've come as a species, we really do live in a New Age

[@marktownsend2198]

I love and hate you right now. I needed this information 2 days ago. You would have saved me hours of research. Thank you nonetheless. You were able to clear up some discrepancies for me.

[@InvictaHistory]

Out of curiosity, what were you working on?

[@marktownsend2198]

@@InvictaHistory just a personal question. I was watching the Roman Empire Docuseries on Netflix and the actor playing Marcus Aurelius tells his son "Go. I'll be there in a *minute*." I thought to myself "were minutes used during the Roman Empire? Did they commonly tell time that precisely? Wouldn't itbe like quarter hours?" I paused it and jumped on google and was looking all of this up for hours winding down the Wikipedia rabbit hole. I knew it was creative liberty by the writers but it got me thinking. I learned a lot and you summed up a lot of my research into a ten minute video. Lol

[@michelguevara151]

I was fascinated by ancient water clocks as a child 40+ years ago. I often wonder how those whom have no 'ancient knowledge' would survive if an EMP event ever occured. I experimented widely with ancient techniques when I was growing up. there were even water clocks on ships in the mediterranean to make velocity calculations in conjunction with knots when commerce made it become necessary to know just how long a given traverse takes. lettuces, for example, were shiped from Nicea in Provence, France, to other ports along the coast, a highly perishable stock. water clocks would also be used for long journies. with a compass and good charts one can sail in a certain direction for a number of hours to put oneself on a course for a particular current of wind and water for specific destinations in best time. invaluable in business in the ancient Mediterranean world, and advantageous militarilly speaking.

[@JonatasAdoM]

You're telling me brothels already charged by the hour back then!

[@Kraigon42]

I'm certain it gets wilder from here, because I'm aware of the spice clocks and flower clocks of the 1800s, and how each city had its own "local time."

[@roddo1955]

Really? Never heard of that! How crazy! I'm gonna look that up, thanks! I love history

[@cyclpiancitydweller9517]

The Arabs had water clocks that used a different type of scented water every hour in the 1300s. They had accurate sundials too.

[@Kraigon42]

@@cyclpiancitydweller9517 To my understanding, sundials can be really accurate in places without too many overcast skies (such as closer to the equator), so that part doesn't really surprise me, though I'm curious about the engineering that went into water clocks with different scented waters.

[@cyclpiancitydweller9517]

@@Kraigon42 The Arabs had blueprints for such clocks. Modern historians looked at those blueprints and agree that some sort of gear system was used to ensure the accuracy of those water clocks.

[@santitraun6079]

Hi, Invicta! Can you tell me what the background music in this video is? :)

[@LiveinReykjavik]

Invicta, with all due respect, when are we going to see the Siege of Jerusalem series ending?

[@Armageddon2077]

No mention of sand timers... when did they become a thing? By the way, you mentioned the Western system of hours - but I once read some Asian countries has a different set of systems. Could you tell us anything about that?

[@row7820]

When are you finishing the siege of jerusalem?

[@hung-yenhoang1462]

ikr, takes half a decade to finish one of those things

[@BlueDragonknight375]

That should become a meme for this channel.

[@kodingkrusader2765]

I think roman soldiers asked that question of the generals multiple times during that seige

[@demistr7435]

If you want to know more about this subject you should check historical chronology literature.

[@neilbrideau8520]

I spent several years living in the wilderness in British Columbia. I don't talk about it much because few have the frame of reference to understand what I am saying but this video revived many interesting thoughts I had over those years. Yes the technology is cool however we all have a latent ability to tell time with enough accuracy to navigate a simple life. I always knew where the sun would set, when the next high tide would be and how high it would be as well as the phase of the moon. I would go months without seeing other humans but I always knew what time it was +/- an hour or so. Now that I live in front of a screen I never know any of the above. Because we have access to google we do not have to memorize things in the same way but remove google and our latent ability to memorize things will return.

[@neilbrideau8520]

@T OB Wow dark, quite the opposite in fact. I was young, idealistic, adventurous and in love with the natural world.

[@Mikeztarp]

Of course, there was also one island that famously told time thanks to ticking crocodiles. :P

[@jo-vf8jx]

Mikeztarp Peter is that you? 😬

[@l4430]

@@jo-vf8jx ... Did you mean Peta??

[@johntunstall5452]

Lit

[@theleetworldbest]

"People were aware of the day-night cycle" OH, I THOUGHT THEY HAD THOUGHT THEY WENT BLIND!

[@ChrisSnowman]

Invicta FTW

[@peterlongan]

A well done video, thank you! One comment though, diei is pronouced [dee-EH-ee], not [DEE-eh]. Good luck in your studies!

[@animation1234111]

4:10 "at the end of the day" badum tish

[@davidogier5093]

2:59 - happens to be the mountain profile of devil peak, table mountain and lions head in Cape Town, South Africa, just fyi

[@theoreticalexercise]

PLEASE tell me what happened when the bucket with the floating hour indicator filled to the top! I've watched maybe 10 videos about this. NO ONE mentions that

[@cheryldeboissiere7824]

Thank you very much What happened to Roman candles? You know look like a barber shop pole except for black and white diagonal stripes?

[@IanSwart]

3:00 Table Mountain in Capetown?

[@moisttoad2147]

I know this is a vague question, but anyone know of any good books to start reading if i"m looking to get more into ancient history? Favorites or recommendations would be awesome!

[@TheDAWinz]

I was JUST looking up this VERY subject recently, I was wondering how they could tell years were around 365 days ect.

[@LuisAldamiz]

Measuring soltices and equinoxes, which has a very long tradition going all the way to which is maybe the oldest "calendar" on Earth: Nabta Playa, a stone ring of Upper Egypt, from the time the Sahara was still green.

[@kodingkrusader2765]

Even before egypt humans were tracking times of the year. It was done by looking the suns angle on the horizon. Humans are very observable species. Knowing how seasons work was a key to survival for even early humans. They may not have necessarily said 365 days it would have been more like tracking seasons and their transfer period

[@at752]

7:45 wait how was water added in to the In Flow Pipe?

[@ckatm397]

Would the time telling cup be a pythagorean cup so that every time it filled up (made it to the 24th hour) it would reset the clock?

[@naeem-hf7xx]

is that table mountain @ 3:11 ?